Hi there! My name is Lauretta Jaye and I recently joined the Make It. MSP. team as a coordinator to support the initiative’s execution and growth. I love everything Make It. MSP. stands for and the important work the initiative is accomplishing across various teams. From making newcomers to the region feel welcomed to supporting our booming tech industry to celebrating our diverse professionals, I feel honored to be supporting and expanding the impact of Make It. MSP.
I’m a born and raised Minnesotan and have no plans on leaving Minneapolis-Saint Paul any time soon. I applied to one (and only one) school, the University of Minnesota, because I knew I wanted to call this place home.
Before joining Make It. MSP. I managed marketing for a women’s Ready To Wear brand sold at Target. I spent a lot of time traveling to the coasts and would always talk this place up. I was on a personal mission to convince people who had never visited the area to give it a chance and would talk up all of the amazing neighborhoods, food, people, art & music that we’ve all come to love and adore about MSP. I would even go as far as offering personal tours if people decided to visit because I believed so strongly that once a person spent some time here they would love it just as much (okay, maybe not as much) as me.
In addition to working with Make It. MSP, I head up marketing and operations for a giving technology company called DoTopia. DoTopia connects companies and individuals to over 1.6 million nonprofits via our digital giving platform. I also plan and design events (for fun!) under my own company, Mountain Ash Events. My favorite projects always include supporting and partnering with pro social organizations and the best part is bringing people together to build connection.
I just recently made the classic Uptown to Northeast Minneapolis move. It’s been a blast checking out a whole new array of restaurants, breweries and shops. Living within walking distance of Central Ave, I’ve been spending many nights trying all of the yummy ethnic eats the Northeast neighborhood has to offer. To enhance the move, I even upgraded to a new bike and just recently adopted a little pup (named Mila!) from Underdog Rescue, a local volunteer run nonprofit that connects dogs in need with loving homes.
Like most city dwellers, I love hitting up new restaurants, exploring new areas, listening to live music, experiencing art and all of the other things that make living in MSP so special. What I love even more (if you can believe it) is the community we have here. I swear, the caliber of connections, mentors and friends I have met over the years is solid gold.
Being a connector myself, I don’t think anything makes me happier than knowing a connection I made between two people has led to a gig, an idea or a friendship. That is why I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Make It. MSP. team. Creating connections, supporting this amazing community and telling our story is a dream gig.
I hope to meet you soon and look forward to supporting your MSP experience.
p.s. I never turn down a cup of coffee so reach out if you want to connect: lauretta.jaye@greatermsp.org